studying the foreign policy making of the u.s. for the past 75 years particularly. i don't think it is an exaggeration to say, as we look back on this period, it will be viewed as extraordinary. i think it will stand out as one of the best years of leadership in the state department that we have had. and i would add that, for those of you who are waiting this in your mind, it represents a big step forward in that regard. because the state department can focus on enfranchising the disenfranchised and get as much credit for it that in the past it would have gone for invading another country. that is progress for us. [laughter] i think that is why we consider this an extraordinary achievement. the other thing that is done here that is not hyperbole although it is extraordinary, it says that you have been one of our leading global thinkers in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. we do like the idea of your leaving office. but it would be nice to give somebody else a chance. [laughter] having said that, the other thing that makes this a were qu